Closer, closer, closer we step. Advance reader copies of The Book. I feel like I should post a few baby pictures by way of comparison.
Which came from this:
Which came from this:
Yes, I started out the old-fashioned way, by hand.*
What brought us here, me and the book? Hard work, perseverance and, finally, luck. I don’t talk a lot about luck Chez Speak Softly, or in the writer’s world in general, but today I will make an honest, respectful nod in luck’s direction, because it truly was luck–or at least a faith in the possibility of good fortune–that had me putting this manuscript in the mail back in November of 2007. Luck is always somewhere in the writer’s back pocket, tucked inside a corner like lint or an undiscovered penny. Look for it, cherish it, hold onto a belief that it’s possible. Luck takes words and makes them print and puts them in the hands of others, your readers.
Today, holding copies of the ARC, I honor that incredible good fortune, my luck.
And in honor of the book, please think about buying a copy, or joining the Facebook group, or just visiting its website. Because, if I can brag about the book for a minute, it looks pretty good.
*A footnote here about drafting. I am a firm believer in drafting by hand. I know it’s slow, tedious work, and that it adds an extra step in terms of going from draft to typescript, but there is nothing like sitting in bed, a chair, by a window or in the dark at five in the morning while the children are still asleep to help you feel your way towards your words. At least that’s my humble opinion.
Comments 13
I agree about feeling your way towards your words.
SO excited for you, Vicki! I don’t think it’s luck, but I do think it’s WONDERFUL!
Posted 08 Apr 2009 at 7:55 am ¶It’s beautiful. And I didn’t know about you and writing longhand. See? Learn something every day.
Posted 08 Apr 2009 at 8:40 am ¶What a wonderful post. I love being reminded of luck — I once went to an ayurvedic astrologer who told me that I was “lucky.” I had forgotten that of late but actually really believe in fortune. Or at least recognizing good fortune all around me. I’m so proud of you and grateful that I had the “luck” to meet you!
Posted 08 Apr 2009 at 8:59 am ¶“Luck is always somewhere in the writer’s back pocket, tucked inside a corner like lint or an undiscovered penny. Look for it, cherish it, hold onto a belief that it’s possible.” This, my friend, applies to so much of life, especially these days.
Congratulations on the good fortune. Your perserverance, the beauty of your words…your heart; these were all great influences in that fortune, I know.
But, longhand?? *shudder* I’d never be able to read a single word of my own if I did that. lol
Posted 08 Apr 2009 at 10:52 am ¶this book was meant to be in the world, just like evan was meant to grace us with his life. my copy is pre-ordered… i can’t wait to read it.
Posted 08 Apr 2009 at 11:18 am ¶xo
Awe. Some. (A lot, actually.)
I know. So deep. I am SO excited for you. I can’t wait.
Posted 08 Apr 2009 at 3:35 pm ¶How very wonderful, rabbit foot!
Posted 08 Apr 2009 at 4:39 pm ¶So happy for you, Vicki! And I also do a lot of drafting by hand initially – it really imparts a connection with the words (for me, anyway). I have pre-ordered too – looking forward to it!
Posted 08 Apr 2009 at 10:30 pm ¶xoxoxox!
Posted 09 Apr 2009 at 5:22 am ¶AAAAAIIIIEEEE!! I can’t wait! I can’t wait! I can’t wait!
Posted 10 Apr 2009 at 9:38 am ¶I will take your words about drafting by hand to heart. I will.
Posted 10 Apr 2009 at 10:52 am ¶not luck, woman. determination, skill, craft, heart, and courage.
xx
Posted 10 Apr 2009 at 4:09 pm ¶It looks wonderful! I can’t wait to read it.
Posted 18 Apr 2009 at 2:33 pm ¶Post a Comment